Charly Pope shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Charly, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Who are you learning from right now?
I have a business mentor named Stephanie McIntyre from Staircase Event Management who has really helped me focus on goals I didn’t even know I wanted to reach! She has so much knowledge in areas where I truly knew I was lacking. She has given me so much optimism that I can grow and reach bigger and that its right in my grasp if I try. It’s been a truly amazing feeling seeing myself through her eyes.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Charly Pope, and I am the Founder and Director of Grown Ass lady Camp, which is a glamping getaway for women who crave adventure, laughter, and a break from being responsible. It’s a weekend packed with absurdly fun games, group shenanigans, and just the right amount of chaos—all in the name of female friendship. Think summer camp vibes with cozy cabins, arts & crafts, dance parties, and zero pressure to be ‘put together.’ But there are lots of costumes! No kids, no work, just you, your new besties, and a whole lot of ridiculous fun!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I grew up with a mom who owned a dance and gymnastics studio. She would put on recitals all year long for her students to show off their new skills to their family and friends. It goes with the territory, that I was also a student who got to show off my new skills to my family and friends. Being on a stage at such a young age, should seem like a scary feeling, but it never was for me! I wasn’t scared, because I was excited! It was empowering to be in front of so many people and them feel proud of you and happy to watch whatever it was you were creating. It really has carried into my adult life in so many ways!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh yes! It was honestly just a year ago. I was working a demanding, full time job, helping my husband run his catering company while also finding the time to plan and host GAL camp in 2 different states. Thank god I just have cats!!
It was after hosting the Texas camp of 2024, I was just exhausted. Just absolutely over the work that it took to pull off this elaborate camp I had planned. The women still had an amazing time, but I walked away feeling BURNT OUT!! And then had to return to “real life” and those jobs.
But when I decided to shed some of those responsibilities and focus more on what brought me joy, when I left camp this Spring in North Carolina, I was ELATED! I had the best time, I made so many new connections and I was excited to plan the next one. I am so glad I didn’t let those other feelings win!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d like to directly answer yes, buuuuuut with a caveat. I have learned that I have many versions of myself. I adapt to situations and honestly to people. If I like your high and laughing energy, it can bring out that side of me! And sometimes if you’re low energy and sad, I can lean into that too. I learned a long time ago that if I have to lie about something, then it means it’s wrong. So I’ve tried to be my most honest self, as best as I can.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If you’re attracted to attending camp, and actually make the leap to do so, I know one thing about you… You like to have fun and silly!! So, the one thing I know, is that the party wouldn’t stop without me! I do think my campers would miss the turn key experience of what camp offers. They really just need to pack a cooler and some clothes, and I take care of everything else! Provide them with endless opportunities for entertainment and connection. And they didn’t have to plan any of it! A woman’s dream!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.galcamp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownassladycamp
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grownassladycamp
Image Credits
Danielle Nicole Photography
